Mark Clattenburg, one of the world’s most respected referees, has taken time out of refereeing after fleeing Egypt due to abuse and claims he is in a gay relationship.
Clattenburg, who has officiated in the Premier League, Champions League, and Euro 2016, was in Egypt to referee a match between Al Ahly and Zamalek. However, he was forced to flee the country after receiving death threats and being accused of being in a gay relationship.
The 41-year-old Englishman was appointed to referee the match between the two Egyptian giants on February 1. However, he was forced to leave the country after receiving death threats and being accused of being in a gay relationship.
Clattenburg had been in Egypt for less than 24 hours when he received the threats. He was told that if he did not leave the country, he would be killed.
The referee was also accused of being in a gay relationship with a player from one of the teams. This accusation was made by a member of the Egyptian Football Association, who was later suspended for his comments.
Clattenburg has since returned to England and is taking time out of refereeing. He has not commented on the incident, but it is believed that he is shaken by the experience.
The incident has caused outrage in the football world, with many people condemning the threats and accusations made against Clattenburg.
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the body responsible for appointing referees in England, has released a statement expressing its support for Clattenburg.
The statement reads: “We are aware of the incident involving Mark Clattenburg in Egypt and we are in contact with him. We are offering him our full support and we are monitoring the situation closely.”
The incident has highlighted the need for greater protection for referees, both in Egypt and around the world. It is hoped that this incident will lead to greater awareness of the dangers that referees face and the need for greater protection.
Clattenburg is one of the most respected referees in the world and his experience in Egypt is a reminder of the dangers that referees face. It is hoped that this incident will lead to greater protection for referees and that Clattenburg will be able to return to refereeing soon.
